Hybrid power made to measure for Toyota Yaris

Inside a modern supermini every inch of space counts. That’s why Toyota had to be sure that in creating its new Yaris Hybrid, fitting a hybrid powertrain was not at the cost of room in the cabin, or in the boot.

The result is a clever, compact version of Toyota’s
Hybrid Synergy Drive system that is used in larger models, such as Prius and Auris Hybrid. Extensive R&D work has produced an efficient, full hybrid system for Yaris using a petrol engine and electric motor, that gives a total power output of 99 bhp (74kW).

The system uses a new 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine that weighs 16.5 kg less and is 10 per cent more compact than the 1.8-litre unit used in Prius and Auris. Likewise, other major components such as the electric motor, power control unit and transaxle were also made lighter and smaller: the size of the motor has been reduced by 20 per cent and thePCU12 per cent, compared to those in Auris Hybrid; and the transaxle has shed 11 kg and is six per cent shorter.

The packaging challenge also demanded careful thought about the size and location of the nickel-metal hydride battery pack and the fuel tank, in order to minimise the impact on cabin space for rear seat passengers and the size of the boot. Both are positioned under the rear bench seat, which means the car’s loadspace capacity, and rear passenger space is unaffected.

With the benefit of full hybrid technology, Yaris hybrid is set to deliver class-leading CO2, NOx and particulates emissions, together with excellent fuel consumption and low total ownerships costs. The new model will go on sale in the UK in June.

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